Astronaut Shares Emotional Distress After Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also included well-known figures.

The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and years of training to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the mission, such as spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.

The team of pioneers also featured leaders in different industries.

The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.